Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro called his side’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over Germany the greatest moment of his coaching career after guiding La Albirroja into the World Cup round of 16 for the first time since 2010.
In a thrilling encounter on Monday, Paraguay battled fiercely to a 1-1 draw after extra time before holding their nerve to win 4-3 on penalties, stunning the four-time world champions in one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
An emotional Alfaro praised his players, describing them as “26 legends” for their courage and determination.
“The warriors walked off that pitch as legends,” Alfaro said after the match. “It was an unforgettable battle, and without a doubt the most important victory of my life. I thanked every single player because they gave me a night I will never forget.”
The Paraguayan boss was visibly moved by his team’s spirit, admitting he could hardly process the passion and commitment his squad showed on the field.
“My eyes weren’t enough to take it all in,” he said. “What these players gave tonight was pure heart. I hope this won’t be the last moment like this.”
The victory made history, as Paraguay became the first nation to beat Germany in a World Cup penalty shootout — a remarkable achievement against one of football’s traditional giants.
Germany controlled most of the game, dominating possession and registering seven shots on target, but Paraguay’s defensive discipline and relentless fighting spirit kept them alive.
For Alfaro, the result was even more special considering the challenges his team faced on the road to this point.
“We only had one proper training session, and we lost important players along the way,” he explained. “But these guys continue to surprise me. They never stop fighting.”
One of the standout heroes was defender José Canale, who delivered a commanding performance in just his fifth appearance for Paraguay. The 29-year-old, who plays for Club Atlético Lanús, capped off his brilliant night by scoring the decisive penalty.
“Canale played like a man with 100 caps,” Alfaro said. “His performance was extraordinary.”
Back home in Asunción, thousands of fans flooded the streets in celebration as the country embraced one of its greatest football nights in recent history.
Even Paraguayan President Santiago Peña declared Tuesday a public holiday to honor the national team’s achievement — a rare and symbolic gesture reflecting the magnitude of the win.
“Paraguay waited 16 long years for this moment,” Alfaro said. “A national holiday because of football shows the incredible power this sport has. I hope every Paraguayan enjoys this happiness.”
Paraguay will now face either France or Sweden in the round of 16, but Alfaro insists the celebrations will be short-lived.
“We have only a few hours to enjoy this,” he said. “Then it’s time to recover and prepare again. We don’t know what will happen next, but we must keep our faith, our belief, and our humility.”
